Friends,

Mike’s spin classes are fun!
It sounds like Mike’s spin classes @ 9:30am Friday mornings are fun!  I understand there’s a little whining going on in these classes.  Please keep in mind that this is a no whine zone.  😊  That includes the time after you do the spin class and then both of Kate’s balance classes.

I’m so proud of so many of you for engaging in these opportunities the way you are.  I know it’s not easy and it can be frustrating when we work so hard and don’t see immediate improvements.  Please keep in mind that “Consistency is key” for us living with MS.  We may not have a cure for MS but we can certainly enjoy truly “living” with MS when we get together.  Despite all the challenges we have living with MS, the people who join us are by far the most determined and inspirational people I’ve ever met.  Thank you for joining us!  Our gym and community wouldn’t be the same without you.

Day of Endurance 2024 – August 24, 2024
Many of you are probably wondering why I’m so excited about our Day of Endurance at the end of August in January.  That’s a long ways away!

I agree, it’s a long ways away but it will be here before we know it.  As wel ive with MS, our bodies take a while to adjust to what we put them through.  In other words we need to be patient, consistent and put in our time.  It’s a BIG event, we’ll enjoy it so much more if we work hard and train for it.

It’s really important that we’re active and we enjoy the journey of training for the Day of Endurance…preferably together.  I hope you can find some workout friends to enjoy this journey with.  It can be others with MS, neighbors, family members, movie stars, it doesn’t matter.  It really only takes one other person to have show up and do whatever you’re going to do each day together.  You can pick different people different days.

Let’s make this a recreational adventure.  A social adventure.  A rewarding experience.  And… “share” it.  So, let’s start inviting friends and family members to join us on this journey and have some fun with it.

Bowling Tournament – We still need bowlers!
Good news!  The Sunday lanes are full!  We still need bowlers for some of the Saturday lanes.

Our first annual MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc. bowling tournament will be on February 24 / 25th.  It’s going to be fun!

Please consider bowling with us and inviting your family and friends.  THANK YOU to all who are bowling and volunteering!

For more information, please contact Bob Brandemuehl @ bandebeagles@wi.rr.com

No Regrets Mens Conference
An opportunity for the men of MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc.  Please join us this Saturday, February 3, 2024 to watch “Livestream” (on the BIG TV) the No Regrets Men’s Conference.  The event starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM.

The event will feature group worship, compelling messages from leading pastors and teachers, testimonies of how other men have done it and seminars on topics that will encourage and inspire you.

Let’s take advantage of this day and fellowship with other men who will be renewed, challenged, and propelled to become the men of courage God intends us to be.
Here is a link to the event – No Regrets Men’s Conference – No Regrets Men’s Conference (noregretsconference.org)

There is no cost to attend the event, but if you’d like lunch, we’ll be chipping in $10.00.  Please let Cal or Larry know if you plan to attend.

Cardio and Balance Programs
These classes are aimed to get everyone exercising together.  I like that word “together” 😊.  We’ll need help from volunteers before and after the cardio class on Wednesday to get members on and off equipment. All are welcome and encouraged to join.

Wednesdays  10-10:30am: Cardio exercise
Location: in the big room using aerobic equipment in front of big TV
Pick your favorite piece of equipment to use, bring a water bottle, and arrive a few minutes early to get the equipment set up to your height.
10:30 – 11:45am Tai Chi led by Ricky

Fridays: Balance training & Core strengthening and Spin Classes
9:30am – 10:00am: Spin Class in front room led by Mike Beiermeister.  Bikes are limited so this will be first come first served.
10-10:30 am: seated balance class
10:30 – 11am: standing balance class
Pick the class / classes you feel most able and comfortable participating in. We will have chairs set up to sit on and/or use for balance support. 

Email Kate at kborn1234@gmail.com with any questions.

Friday Morning Bike Ride
It’s going to be too cold this Friday…no ride.  Let’s work hard indoors all winter so we’re ready to ride again in the spring.

Educational Sessions

Saturday, February 3rd  8:00am – 1:00 pm.  No Regrets Men’s Conference live streamed from the gym

Friday, February 9th   11:00am – Noon.  Tom Holtackers will be doing a presentation on Learned Dependency (Helplessness) and Using activities of daily living as exercise.

Friday, February 16th 11:00am – noon.  Becky Thomas and Gayle Caya will be doing a presentation on safe transfers.

Friday, February 23  11:0am – Noon.  Meg Walker who is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor exercises which help our core strength, bladder issues, etc.  Meg will be here to teach us some of these exercises

Friday, March 8th  11:00 – noon.  Rob Multerer, President of the National MS Society – Wisconsin Chapter will be here with a couple of board members to discuss the National MS Society.

Future topics could include: emotional health, nutrition, yoga, tai chi, wellness topics, safe use of gym equipment for your body, best exercise for you and more.  What topics would you like to see?  Please let Kate, Joan, Traci, Ricky or Dan know

 Let’s get together!
We’ll be getting together from 9:00am – noon on Wednesday and Friday mornings at the gym.  I hope you’ll join us!

Wisconsin Metal Parts – Westmound Building
MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc.
W228N791 Westmound Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186

Prayer Group  We’ll be having our prayer group Wednesday @ 11:00am.
I just love the way we share, pray and laugh together while we witness prayers being answered weekly.  It’s truly amazing!

Thanks goes to God and to everyone that joins us.  Let’s get together to share, listen, talk, give thanks, and pray however God leads us.

MS-Just Keep Caring – Our Caregivers support group will be the first and third Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30am.  The next one will be Friday, February 2, 2024.  If you’re a caregiver of someone you love with MS, please join us and share your experience of caring for your loved one.  This has been very helpful for many.  Thanks to all who participate!

Our Facebook page is private.  That means you’ll need to join if you want access to all our fun and progress.  We’re now up to 470 members.  That’s awesome!   https://www.facebook.com/groups/2639832389489709

Our Facebook page is very active and fun.  Lots of people are doing more and sharing their journey on Facebook.  Feel free to join, post and share your experiences and comments.

There were some awesome pictures, videos and comments shared again this past week.  Thank you to all who are sharing!

Thai Massage with Ricky Heldt
Ricky will be here Wednesday and Friday doing Thai Massage.

Many continue making great progress with chronic pain relief, range of motion, walking better and a new sense of hope when Ricky works with them.  Please keep in mind that consistency is key.  Not only with Ricky…with exercise too.  We need consistency to realize the benefits long term.  We want you to have long term benefits and relief.

Ricky has a sign up board based on first come first serve.  You can pick the time slot that works for you.  I highly encourage you to take advantage of Ricky’s Thai Massages each day and sign up for your time slot as soon as you get there.

Reiki with Linda  Linda will be here on Fridays doing Reiki.  Many people say Linda’s Reiki work is “magical”.  We’re thankful for Linda sharing her gifts and talents with us.  Feel free to let Linda know you’d like to do Reiki with her.  She also has a sign up sheet.

Inspirational Humor with Adam Wollert
We’ll be having our inspirational humor zoom call with Adam again next Tuesday.  Adam is a gift to all of us.  Thanks to all who joined us today!

Please join us if you can.
Tuesdays @ 1:30PM
Here’s the link to join us…I hope you do!
Join Zoom Meeting with this link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9431389152?pwd=bWlYbFNaazVnM1M1cWxWMitlODdXUT09

Meeting ID: 943 138 9152
Passcode: 3qP2hu
Phone:   1-312-626-6799

Let’s reach out
I encourage you to share a smile and encouragement with someone.  Perhaps you could call someone that you have not talked with for a while just to say hi and see how they are doing.  We all could use a little extra love and encouragement.

MS is tough.  Let’s have faith, remain calm, be flexible, help each other and learn as much as we can about the challenges of each day as we make good choices.

Let’s keep moving, loving and smiling 😊

In God We Trust…we are in good hands.
Dan

http://msjustkeepmoving.org/

P.S. Feeling lucky or feeling ducky?  Last week I was taking pictures of eagles, swans, cardinals, etc.  This week…DUCKS  Beautiful ducks 😊

Yesterday, I went down by the Pewaukee River to see if there were any ducks around.  They were kind of excited to see me.

For as cloudy as it’s been lately, I had some nice lighting

They were pretty active

They certainly look healthy

This guy was really happy to see me.  I think he thought I couldn’t see him and wanted to make sure I did.

For those who can’t get out and enjoy nature due your challenges with MS…my heart is with you.  You are with me every time I’m out there.  I enjoy being out there and I also enjoy sharing with you.  I know how hard it is not to be able to get out and enjoy nature.  Let’s enjoy nature and God’s beauty together this way.